JP2020044810A - Inkjet printer - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an inkjet printer which does not need a space for arranging an ink passage.SOLUTION: An inkjet printer according to the invention includes: a printer body 11; and a carriage 20. Further, the inkjet printer includes: a main tank container 61 and a first attachment 62 mounted on the printer body 11; and a sub ink container 71 and a second attachment 72 mounted on the carriage 20. The first attachment 62 is connected to the main ink container 61. The second attachment 72 is connected to the sub ink container 71. The first attachment 62 and the second attachment 72 are connected when the carriage 20 is disposed at a first position. The main ink container 61 and the sub ink container 71 communicate with each other when the first attachment 62 and the second attachment 72 are connected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an inkjet printer.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an ink jet printer having an ink head mounted on a moving carriage has been known. For example, Patent Literature 1 includes a carriage that moves in the main scanning direction, an ink container mounted on a main body, an inkjet head mounted on the carriage, and an ink flow path that connects the ink container and the inkjet head. A printing device is disclosed.

JP 2017-24217 A

  For example, in an ink jet printer having a moving carriage as disclosed in Patent Document 1, ink is supplied from an ink container mounted on a main body to an ink jet head mounted on the carriage. This supply is performed via an ink flow path such as a tube. Since the carriage moves during printing, the ink flow path needs to have a length corresponding to the movement. Therefore, a large space is required for managing the ink flow path.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet printer which does not require a space for arranging ink flow paths.

The inkjet printer disclosed herein includes a printer main body, a carriage, a carriage moving device, a main ink container, a first attachment, a sub ink container, an ink head, and a second attachment. The carriage is movably engaged with the printer body. The carriage moving device moves the carriage. The main ink container is provided in the printer main body and stores ink. The first attachment is provided on the printer main body, and is connected to the main ink container. The sub-ink container is mounted on the carriage. The ink head is mounted on the carriage and connected to the sub ink container. The second attachment is mounted on the carriage and connected to the sub-ink container.
The carriage moving device is configured to arrange the carriage at a first position. The first attachment and the second attachment are configured to be connected when the carriage is located at the first position. The main ink container and the sub ink container communicate with each other when the first attachment and the second attachment are connected.

  According to the above-described ink jet printer, a space for arranging the ink flow path can be eliminated because an ink flow path passed between the printer main body and the carriage is not required.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a printer according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an ink system. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a sub ink container. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the printer. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a conventional ink system.

  Hereinafter, an inkjet printer according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described here are not intended to limit the present invention in particular. Members and parts having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping description will be omitted or simplified as appropriate. In the following description, when the inkjet printer is viewed from the front, the direction away from the inkjet printer is defined as the front, and the direction approaching the inkjet printer is defined as the rear. In addition, symbols F, Rr, L, R, U, and D in the drawings represent front, rear, left, right, upper, and lower, respectively. However, these are only directions for convenience of description, and do not limit the installation mode of the inkjet printer.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 includes a printer main body 11, a carriage 20, and a carriage moving device 30. The printer main body 11 includes a flat bed 40, a part of an ink system 50a (see FIG. 2), and a control device 100. Another part of the ink system 50a is mounted on the carriage 20. The ink system 50a includes an ink head 50. The carriage 20 is provided with an ultraviolet lamp 55.

  The printer main body 11 houses the flatbed 40, a part of the ink system 50a, and the control device 100. Here, the printer main body 11 means a portion of the printer 10 excluding the carriage 20, which is a movable portion, and its mounted material, the carriage moving device 30, the ink system 50a, and the control device 100. The printer body 11 is formed in a box shape with an open front. The printer main body 11 extends in the left-right direction. The printer main body 11 houses therein the flatbed 40, a part of the ink system 50a, and the control device 100. The printer body 11 includes a front cover 12 that can open and close an opening on the front.

  The carriage moving device 30 is configured to move the carriage 20. The carriage moving device 30 includes a guide rail 31, a belt 32, left and right pulleys (not shown), and a scan motor 33. The carriage 20 is slidably engaged with the guide rail 31. The guide rail 31 is fixed to the printer main body 11 and extends in the left-right direction. The guide rail 31 guides the movement of the carriage 20 in the left-right direction. The belt 32 is fixed to the carriage 20. The belt 32 is an endless belt. The belt 32 is wound around pulleys (not shown) provided on the left and right sides of the guide rail 31. The scan motor 33 is attached to one pulley. The scan motor 33 is electrically connected to the control device 100. The scan motor 33 is controlled by the control device 100. When the scan motor 33 is driven, the pulley rotates and the belt 32 runs. Thereby, the carriage 20 moves in the left-right direction along the guide rail 31.

  The flat bed 40 is disposed substantially at the center in the left-right direction in the internal space of the printer main body 11. The flatbed 40 is a member on which the recording medium 5 is placed. The printer 10 according to the present embodiment is a so-called flatbed type printer. The shape of the recording medium 5 is not particularly limited, and may have various three-dimensional shapes other than the flat shape. Also, the material of the recording medium 5 is not particularly limited, and the recording medium 5 may be, for example, wood, metal, glass, paper, cloth, or the like.

  A bed moving device 41 is arranged below the flat bed 40. The bed moving device 41 is a mechanism for moving the flat bed 40 in the front-back direction and the up-down direction. The flat bed 40 is supported from below by a bed moving device 41. The bed moving device 41 includes a first moving mechanism 41Z and a second moving mechanism 41X. The first moving mechanism 41Z is a mechanism that supports the flatbed 40 and moves it in the vertical direction. Here, the first moving mechanism 41Z includes a ball screw mechanism (not shown) and a motor. The ball screw mechanism is driven by a motor. The first moving mechanism 41Z is supported from below by the second moving mechanism 41X. The second moving mechanism 41X is a mechanism that supports the first moving mechanism 41Z and moves it in the front-rear direction. The second moving mechanism 41X includes a ball screw mechanism (not shown) and a motor. However, the configuration of the bed moving device 41 is not limited. For example, the first moving mechanism 41 </ b> Z and the second moving mechanism 41 </ b> X may have a vertical positional relationship opposite to each other. The bed moving device 41 is electrically connected to the control device 100 and is controlled by the control device 100.

  The carriage 20 is movably engaged with the printer main body 11 via a guide rail 31. The carriage 20 holds a plurality of ink heads 50 on a lower surface. The plurality of ink heads 50 are mounted on the carriage 20. The plurality of ink heads 50 are arranged in the carriage 20 in the left-right direction. On the lower surface of each ink head 50, a plurality of nozzles for discharging ink are formed. The nozzle is a fine hole from which ink is ejected. Although not shown, in each of the ink heads 50, a plurality of nozzles are arranged in the front-rear direction to form a nozzle row. Although three ink heads 50 are shown here, the number of ink heads 50 is not limited.

  The ultraviolet lamp 55 is provided on the carriage 20. Here, the ultraviolet lamp 55 is provided on the left side surface of the carriage 20. The ultraviolet lamp 55 extends in the front-back direction. The ultraviolet lamp 55 emits ultraviolet light toward the flatbed 40. The ultraviolet lamp 55 is electrically connected to the control device 100, and is controlled by the control device 100.

  Each of the plurality of ink heads 50 is provided with an actuator including a piezoelectric element. The actuator is provided for each nozzle. When each actuator is driven, each nozzle discharges ink. Each actuator includes a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle and storing ink, and a piezoelectric element in contact with the pressure chamber. When the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element is changed, the piezoelectric element expands and contracts, and the displacement changes the volume of the pressure chamber. The ink is ejected from the nozzle by the change in the volume of the pressure chamber. The plurality of actuators are electrically connected to the control device 100 and are controlled by the control device 100.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the ink system 50a. The ink system 50a is provided for each ink head 50. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating one ink system 50a. As shown in FIG. 2, the ink system 50a includes an ink supply system 60, an ink circulation system 70, and an ink discharge system 80. A part of the ink system 50a is mounted on the printer main body 11, and the other part is mounted on the carriage 20.

  The ink supply system 60 supplies ink to an ink circulation system 70 configured inside the carriage 20. The ink supply system 60 is provided in the printer main body 11. Here, the ink supply system 60 is provided near the right end of the printer main body 11. The ink supply system 60 includes a main ink container 61, a first attachment 62, a supply channel 63, a supply pump 64, and a filter 65.

  The main ink container 61 is provided in the printer main body 11 and stores ink. Here, the main ink container 61 is an ink cartridge. However, the main ink container 61 is not limited to an ink cartridge, and may be, for example, a tank or a pouch. One main ink container 61 stores one type of ink. The material of the ink is not limited at all, and various materials conventionally used as the material of the ink for the ink jet printer can be used. Here, the ink is an ultraviolet curable pigment ink that is cured by receiving ultraviolet light. The same number of the main ink containers 61 as the ink heads 50 are provided. The plurality of main ink containers 61 may store different types of ink. Further, the same kind of ink may be partially stored.

  The first attachment 62 is provided on the printer main body 11. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the first attachment 62 is attached to one side surface of the printer main body 11. This side surface faces the direction of the carriage 20 (here, to the left). As shown in FIG. 2, the first attachment 62 includes a check valve 62a and a connection nozzle 62b.

  The check valve 62a is configured to open when pressure is applied from the inside of the ink supply system 60 to the outside. Although the configuration of the check valve 62a is not particularly limited, the check valve 62a includes a valve body 62a1 and a spring 62a2. The spring 62a2 presses the valve body 62a1 toward the main ink container 61. When the pressure inside the ink supply system 60 is low, the valve body 62a1 closes the supply flow path 63 by the pressing force of the spring 62a2. The supply channel 63 is a channel that connects the main ink container 61 and the first attachment 62. Here, the supply channel 63 is formed of a flexible tube. The check valve 62a is configured to be opened when the supply pump 64 is driven and the force applied to the valve body 62a1 by the ink pressure inside the ink supply system 60 exceeds the pressing force of the spring 62a2.

  The connection nozzle 62b is exposed outside the printer main body 11. The connection nozzle 62b is arranged facing the carriage 20 (here, to the left). The connection nozzle 62b includes a nozzle portion 62b1, a flow path 62b2, and a seal member 62b3. The nozzle portion 62b1 is formed in a needle shape. The nozzle portion 62b1 protrudes toward the carriage 20. A flow path 62b2 is formed inside the nozzle portion 62b1. The flow path 62b2 communicates with the main ink container 61 via a check valve 62a. The flow path 62b2 is open at the tip of the nozzle 62b1. Then, when the supply pump 64 is driven and the check valve 62a is opened by the ink pressure, ink is discharged from the end of the flow path 62b2 disposed at the tip of the nozzle 62b1. The seal member 62b3 is provided on the outer periphery of the nozzle 62b1. The seal member 62b3 is formed of an elastic material having a sealing property. The seal member 62b3 is a member that seals to prevent ink from leaking when the first attachment 62 and a second attachment 72 (described later) of the ink circulation system 70 are connected. Note that the seal member may be provided not on the first attachment 62 but on the second attachment 72.

  The supply pump 64 is connected to the main ink container 61 and the first attachment 62. The supply pump 64 is set so as to feed the liquid from the main ink container 61 side to the first attachment 62 side. The supply pump 64 is here a tube pump. However, the supply pump 64 is not limited to a tube pump, and may be, for example, a diaphragm pump or the like. The supply pump 64 is connected to the control device 100 and is controlled by the control device 100. The supply pump 64 is an example of a liquid feeding mechanism configured to move ink from the main ink container 61 to a sub-ink container 71 described later.

  The filter 65 is provided between the supply pump 64 and the first attachment 62. The filter 65 captures foreign matter mixed in the ink. The filter 65 prevents foreign matter from reaching the ink circulation system 70 even if foreign matter is mixed in the ink in the ink supply system 60.

  The ink circulation system 70 is mounted on the carriage 20. The ink circulation system 70 is a system that circulates ink to suppress sedimentation of ink components. The ink circulation system 70 includes a sub-ink container 71, a second attachment 72, an upstream flow path 73, a downstream flow path 74, a circulation pump 75, a buffer tank 76, a leak prevention valve 78, a heater 79, It has.

  The sub ink container 71 is mounted on the carriage 20. The sub ink container 71 is a container that can store ink. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the sub ink container 71. As shown in FIG. 3, the sub ink container 71 is a closed container. However, a first connection port 71a to which the flow path following the second attachment 72 is connected, a second connection port 71b to which the upstream flow path 73 is connected, and a third connection port to which the downstream flow path 74 is connected. 71c and a fourth connection port 71d to which a discharge channel 82 (described later) is connected are formed. The sub ink container 71 is made of a flexible material. The sub-ink container 71 is configured to be deformed according to the amount of ink inside, and to change the internal volume. The sub ink container 71 is a pouch here.

  The sub ink container 71 has a smaller internal volume than the main ink container 61. The inner volume of the sub-ink container 71 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 50 ml at the maximum or around the maximum. The sub ink container 71 has a flat shape. Here, the sub-ink container 71 is arranged in such a direction that it extends in the horizontal direction and the short direction coincides with the vertical direction.

  The sub-ink container 71 has a top surface 71e facing upward. Here, the top surface means a surface facing upward among the surfaces of the sub ink container 71, and is not necessarily a wide surface depending on a direction in which the sub ink container 71 is arranged. Here, the sub ink container 71 is a flexible pouch, and the shape of the top surface 71e is not constant. A fourth connection port 71d is formed on the top surface 71e of the sub ink container 71, and one end of the discharge channel 82 is connected.

  A first connection port 71a is formed on a side surface (right side surface) of the sub ink container 71 on the side of the ink supply system 60, and a second attachment 72 is connected via a flow path. A second connection port 71b is formed on the bottom surface of the sub ink container 71, and the upstream flow path 73 is connected. A third connection port 71c is formed on the left side surface of the sub ink container 71, and a downstream flow path 74 is connected to the third connection port 71c.

  The sub ink container 71 is arranged above the ink head 50. The ink head 50 is connected to the sub ink container 71. The ink is supplied from the sub-ink container 71 to the ink head 50 by a head pressure generated by a difference in height between the sub-ink container 71 and the ink head 50. The sub-ink container 71 is flexible and is configured to be deformed according to the amount of ink in the sub-ink container 71 so as not to hinder the ink supply by the water head pressure. Accordingly, the ink behaves like the case where the sub-ink container 71 is open to the atmosphere.

  The second attachment 72 is mounted on the carriage 20 and connected to the sub ink container 71. The second attachment 72 is configured to be connectable to the first attachment 62. The first attachment 62 and the second attachment 72 are connected so that the ink can move. Therefore, the main ink container 61 and the sub ink container 71 are communicated when the first attachment 72 and the second attachment 72 are connected.

  The second attachment 72 is provided on a side surface (here, a right side surface) of the carriage 20 on the ink supply system 60 side. As shown in FIG. 2, the second attachment 72 includes a guide hole 72a and a check valve 72b. The guide hole 72a extends in the left-right direction. The right end of the guide hole 72a is open on the right side of the carriage 20. The left end of the guide hole 72a is connected to a flow path connecting the sub-ink container 71 and the second attachment 72 via a check valve 72b. The guide hole 72a has an inner diameter corresponding to the outer circumference of the nozzle portion 62b1 of the first attachment 62.

  The check valve 72b has the same configuration as the check valve 62a of the first attachment 62. The check valve 72b is configured to open when pressure is applied in a direction toward the inside of the ink circulation system 70. The check valve 72b includes a valve body 72b1 and a spring 72b2. The spring 72b2 presses the valve body 72b1 toward the ink supply system 60. In a normal state, the valve body 72b1 closes the guide hole 72a by the internal pressure of the ink circulation system 70 and the pressing force of the spring 72b2.

  The first attachment 62 and the second attachment 72 are configured to be connected when the carriage 20 is located at the home position P1 (see FIG. 1). The home position P1 is a position where the carriage 20 is arranged during the printing standby. The carriage moving device 30 is configured to arrange the carriage 20 at the home position P1. The home position P1 is set at one end of the movable range of the carriage 20. The home position P1 is set at the right end of the movable range of the carriage 20 here. The home position P1 is an example of a position of the carriage 20 where the first attachment 62 and the second attachment 72 are connected and the main ink container 61 and the sub ink container 71 communicate with each other. The first attachment 62 and the second attachment 72 are configured to be separated when the carriage 20 is located at a position other than the home position P1.

  The first attachment 62 and the second attachment 72 are arranged at the same height. Further, the first attachment 62 and the second attachment 72 are arranged at the same position in the front-rear direction. Therefore, when the carriage 20 moves in the left-right direction, the connection nozzle 62b of the first attachment 62 is inserted into or separated from the guide hole 72a of the second attachment 72. When the connection nozzle 62b is inserted into the guide hole 72a of the second attachment 72, the check valve 72b is pushed toward the sub-ink container 71 by the tip of the nozzle portion 62b1. Thereby, the check valve 72b is opened, and the main ink container 61 and the sub ink container 71 are communicated. When the connection nozzle 62b is pulled out of the guide hole 72a of the second attachment 72, the check valve 72b is closed, and the main ink container 61 and the sub ink container 71 are disconnected. As described above, the main ink container 61 and the sub ink container 71 are configured to communicate with each other when the first attachment 62 and the second attachment 72 are connected.

  The upstream flow path 73 connects the sub ink container 71 and the ink head 50. The downstream flow path 74 also connects the sub ink container 71 and the ink head 50. The ink head 50 is connected to the sub-ink container 71 via an upstream channel 73 and a downstream channel 74. The upstream flow path 73 and the downstream flow path 74 form a circulation flow path 70 a that circulates ink between the sub ink container 71 and the ink head 50. Each of the upstream flow path 73 and the downstream flow path 74 is a relatively short flow path routed inside the carriage 20. Here, the upstream flow path 73 and the downstream flow path 74 are formed of flexible tubes.

  A circulation pump 75 is provided in the downstream flow path 74. The circulation pump 75 is set so as to send the liquid from the ink head 50 side to the sub ink container 71 side. Thus, the ink forms a circulating flow from the sub-ink container 71 to the ink head 50 through the upstream channel 73 and from the ink head 50 to the sub-ink container 71 through the downstream channel 74. The circulation pump 75 is, here, a tube pump. However, the circulation pump 75 is not limited to a tube pump, and may be, for example, a diaphragm pump or the like. The circulation pump 75 is connected to the control device 100 and is controlled by the control device 100.

  A buffer tank 76 is provided in the downstream flow path 74 between the ink head 50 and the circulation pump 75. The buffer tank 76 is provided in the downstream flow path 74. The buffer tank 76 has a storage chamber 76a, an inlet 76b, and an outlet 76c.

  The storage chamber 76a is configured to store ink. The buffer tank 76 has a storage chamber 76a as an internal space. The inflow port 76b is formed on the bottom surface of the storage chamber 76a. The inflow port 76b is connected to a portion of the downstream flow path 74 closer to the ink head 50 than the buffer tank 76 is. At the time of ink circulation, ink flows in from the inflow port 76b. The outlet 76c is formed on one side of the storage chamber 76a. The outlet 76c is connected to a portion of the downstream flow path 74 closer to the sub-ink container 71 than the buffer tank 76 is. At the time of ink circulation, ink flows out from the outlet 76c. The inflow port 76b and the outflow port 76c communicate with each other via a storage chamber 76a. At the time of ink circulation, the ink flowing from the inlet 76b flows out of the outlet 76c while being temporarily stored in the storage chamber 76a.

  The outlet 76c is formed in the height direction in the middle of one side surface of the storage chamber 76a. The storage chamber 76a extends above the outlet 76c. Therefore, the ink is basically stored in the storage chamber 76a only up to the height of the outlet 76c. Part of the space above the outlet 76c of the storage chamber 76a forms an upper space 76a1 in which ink is not basically stored. When the ink temporarily flows in excessively due to the pulsation of the circulation pump 75, the ink is stored in the upper space 76a1. If the ink temporarily overflows excessively, the outflowing ink is replenished from the amount stored in the storage chamber 76a. The buffer tank 76 thus suppresses the influence of the pulsation of the circulation pump 75.

  The buffer tank 76 is provided with a pressure sensor 77. The pressure sensor 77 detects the pressure of the storage chamber 76a. The pressure sensor 77 is configured to emit a signal when the pressure of the ink in the storage chamber 76a falls below a predetermined pressure, for example. The pressure sensor 77 is connected to the control device 100. Control device 100 receives a signal emitted by pressure sensor 77. The control device 100 controls the driving of the circulation pump 75 based on a signal from the pressure sensor 77. The configuration of the pressure sensor 77 is not limited. The pressure sensor 77 may be, for example, a sensor that continuously measures pressure, or may be, for example, a mechanical or optical sensor whose contacts are turned on / off at a predetermined pressure.

  The buffer tank 76 only needs to be provided in the downstream flow path 74, and need not necessarily be arranged upstream of the circulation pump 75. The pressure sensor 77 may be provided in the upstream flow path 73 or the downstream flow path 74 and may be configured to detect the pressure in the upstream flow path 73 or the downstream flow path 74. 76 may not be provided.

  The leak stop valve 78 is provided in the upstream flow path 73. The leak prevention valve 78 is configured to open when the secondary power supply of the printer 10 is on, and to close when the secondary power supply is off. The leak prevention valve 78 prevents the ink in the sub ink container 71 from leaking from the ink head 50 when the secondary power supply of the printer 10 is turned off. The leak prevention valve 78 is, for example, a solenoid valve.

  The heater 79 is provided so as to contact the sub-ink container 71. The heater 79 is mounted on the carriage 20. The heater 79 heats the sub-ink container 71 in order to keep the viscosity of the ink at a desired level. The heater 79 controls the temperature of the ink in the circulation channel 70a to a constant temperature. The heater 79 is electrically connected to the control device 100 and is controlled by the control device 100. The heater 79 is controlled at a predetermined temperature by the control device 100.

  An ink discharge system 80 is connected to the sub ink container 71. A part of the ink discharge system 80 is mounted on the carriage 20 and the other part is mounted on the printer main body 11. The ink discharge system 80 includes a waste liquid tank 81, a discharge flow path 82, a discharge valve 83, and an ink detection device 84.

  The waste liquid tank 81 is mounted on the printer main body 11. The waste liquid tank 81 is a container opened to the atmosphere. In the waste liquid tank 81, waste liquid of the ink is disposed. The waste liquid tank temporarily stores the waste liquid of the ink.

  One end of the discharge channel 82 is connected to the top surface 71 e of the sub ink container 71, and the other end is connected to the waste liquid tank 81. The discharge channel 82 is a flexible tube here. The discharge passage 82 connects the sub-ink container 71 mounted on the carriage 20 and a waste liquid tank 81 connected to the printer main body 11.

  The discharge valve 83 is provided in the discharge passage 82 and is configured to open and close the discharge passage 82. Here, the discharge valve 83 is mounted on the carriage 20. However, the discharge valve 83 may be mounted on the printer main body 11. The discharge valve 83 is, for example, a solenoid valve. The discharge valve 83 is electrically connected to the control device 100 and is controlled by the control device 100.

  The ink detection device 84 is provided in the discharge channel 82. The ink detection device 84 is a device that detects ink. The ink detecting device 84 is provided at, for example, a connection portion of the discharge channel 82 with the waste liquid tank 81. The ink detecting device 84 detects that the ink has reached the waste liquid tank 81 through the discharge channel 82. The configuration of the ink detection device 84 is not particularly limited, but includes, for example, an optical sensor. In this case, the ink detection device 84 detects the presence or absence of ink by changing the light receiving level depending on the color of the ink. However, the configuration of the ink detection device 84 is not limited to such a configuration, and may be, for example, an energization type including electrodes. The ink detecting device 84 is configured to emit a signal when detecting ink. The ink detection device 84 is electrically connected to the control device 100. The control device 100 receives a signal from the ink detection device 84 and controls each unit such as the discharge valve 83.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a control device 100 that controls various operations of the printer 10 is housed at the right end of the printer 10. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the printer 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 100 includes a scan motor 33, a bed moving device 41, an ink head 50, an ultraviolet lamp 55, a supply pump 64, a circulation pump 75, a heater 79, and a discharge valve 83. And are connected to and control their operation. Further, the control device 100 is connected to the pressure sensor 77 and the ink detection device 84 and receives signals from them. The control device 100 includes a movement control unit 101, a discharge control unit 102, a filling control unit 103, a circulation control unit 104, a discharge control unit 105, and a purge control unit 106.

  The configuration of control device 100 is not particularly limited. The control device 100 is, for example, a microcomputer. Although the hardware configuration of the microcomputer is not particularly limited, for example, an interface (I / F) for receiving print data and the like from an external device such as a host computer, and a central processing unit (CPU: central processing unit) for executing instructions of a control program processing unit), a ROM (read only memory) storing a program to be executed by the CPU, a RAM (random access memory) used as a working area for expanding the program, and a memory storing the program and various data. And a storage device.

  The movement control unit 101 controls the movement of the carriage 20 by controlling the carriage moving device 30. As shown in FIG. 4, the movement control unit 101 includes a first movement control unit 101a and a second movement control unit 101b. The first movement control unit 101a controls the carriage movement device 30 so that the carriage 20 is located at the home position P1 when printing is not performed. The second movement control unit 101 is configured to control the carriage movement device 30 to move the carriage 20 at a position separated from the home position P1 during printing. Specifically, it is set to move on the flatbed 40. The movement of the carriage 20 during printing is controlled by the second movement control unit 101b.

  The ejection control unit 102 controls an ink ejection operation. The ejection control unit 102 controls the ink head 50 to eject the ink in the sub ink container 71 at the time of printing. With this operation, printing is performed on the recording medium 5 placed on the flatbed 40. The discharge control unit 102 includes a consumption calculation unit 102a. The consumption calculator 102a calculates the amount of ink consumed during printing. This calculation is performed based on the print data.

  The filling control unit 103 controls a filling process for filling the ink in the main ink container 61 into the sub ink container 71. The filling control unit 103 is set so as to control the supply pump 64 as a liquid feeding mechanism to move the ink from the main ink container 61 to the sub ink container 71 when the carriage 20 is located at the home position P1. ing. As shown in FIG. 4, the filling control unit 103 includes a filling instruction unit 103a, a first filling control unit 103b, and a second filling control unit 103c.

  The filling instruction unit 103a instructs movement of the ink from the main ink container 61 to the sub ink container 71 based on the ink consumption calculated by the consumption calculation unit 102a. The filling instruction unit 103a also instructs the refilling of the sub ink container 71 with ink when it is considered that the amount of ink in the sub ink container 71 is reduced due to a purge or the like described later. The method by which the filling instruction unit 103a determines the timing of replenishment based on the amount of ink consumption is not limited. However, here, the filling instruction unit 103a starts the carriage 20 after the ink consumption reaches the predetermined amount. When returning to the home position P1, an instruction is made to replenish the ink.

  The first filling control unit 103b and the second filling control unit 103c control each unit to move ink from the main ink container 61 to the sub ink container 71. The first filling control unit 103b is set to open the discharge valve 83 in a state where the carriage 20 is located at the home position P1. The second filling control unit 103c is set to drive the supply pump 64 after the discharge valve 83 is opened by the first filling control unit 103b. Details of the ink filling process will be described later.

  The circulation control unit 104 controls the ink circulation operation in the circulation channel 70a. The circulation control unit 104 is set so as to control the circulation pump 75 so that the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 77 is controlled within a predetermined pressure range. In other words, the circulation control unit 104 controls the driving of the circulation pump 75 based on the ink pressure in the circulation channel 70a detected by the pressure sensor 77 so that the ink pressure becomes a desired pressure. Here, the circulation control unit 104 circulates ink at regular time intervals except during printing. Further, the circulation control unit 104 constantly circulates ink when the ink circulation system 70 is filled with ink and during printing.

  The discharge control unit 105 controls a discharge process for discharging the ink in the circulation channel 70a to the waste liquid tank 81. The discharge control unit 105 executes a discharge process, for example, periodically or at an appropriate time (for example, according to a command from a user). As shown in FIG. 4, the discharge control unit 105 includes a first discharge control unit 105a and a second discharge control unit 105b. In the discharge process, the first discharge control unit 105a is set to open the discharge valve 83. The second discharge control unit 105b is set to drive the circulation pump 75 after the discharge valve 83 is opened by the first discharge control unit 105a. Details of the ink discharging process will be described later.

  The purge control unit 106 controls a purge process for discharging ink from the nozzles of the ink head 50. In the purge process, ink is ejected not by the vibration of the actuator of the ink head 50 but by the supply of the supply pump 64. The purge control unit 106 performs the purge, for example, periodically or timely. As shown in FIG. 4, the purge control unit 106 includes a first purge control unit 106a and a second purge control unit 106b. The first purge control unit 106a is set to close the discharge valve 83 in a state where the carriage 20 is located at the home position P1. The second purge control unit 106b is set to drive the supply pump 64 after the discharge valve 83 is closed by the first purge control unit 106a. Details of the ink purging process will be described later.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the printer 10 according to the present embodiment will be described in comparison with a printer having a typical ink system in the related art. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a conventional ink system 150a. As shown in FIG. 5, a conventional ink system 150a includes an ink container 151, an upstream pump 152, an upstream damper 153, a downstream damper 154, a downstream pump 155, a heater 156, and an ink head 50. And Among these components, the ink container 151, the upstream pump 152, and the downstream pump 155 are mounted on the printer main body 11. The upstream damper 153, the downstream damper 154, the heater 156, and the ink head 50 are mounted on the carriage 20.

  Also in the conventional ink system 150a, the ink circulates in the circulation channel. The circulation flow path circulates ink between the ink container 151 and the ink head 50. An upstream pump 152 is disposed in the upstream flow path 161 that forms the upstream side of the ink head 50 in the flow of ink. Downstream of the upstream pump 152, an upstream damper 153 is arranged. The upstream pump 152 is mounted on the printer main body 11, and the upstream damper 153 is mounted on the carriage 20. The upstream pump 152 and the upstream damper 153 are connected by a tube 161a. The tube 161a has a length necessary for the carriage 20 to move with respect to the printer main body 11. The tube 161a has a length of, for example, 2 m or more.

  A downstream pump 155 is disposed in the downstream flow path 162 that is downstream of the ink head 50 in the flow of ink. On the ink head 50 side of the downstream pump 155, a downstream damper 154 is arranged. The downstream pump 155 is mounted on the printer main body 11, and the downstream damper 154 is mounted on the carriage 20. The downstream pump 155 and the downstream damper 154 are connected by a tube 162a. The tube 162a also has a length of, for example, 2 m or more.

  The heater 156 is provided upstream of the upstream damper 153. The heater 156 is mounted on the carriage 20.

  The upstream damper 153 includes a storage chamber in which ink is temporarily stored, and a pressure sensor that issues a signal when the pressure of the storage chamber becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined pressure. In a typical pressure sensor, one surface of the storage chamber is a film that expands and contracts in accordance with the pressure inside the storage chamber. Is detected. The downstream damper 154 has the same configuration.

  In the conventional ink system 150a, for example, the upstream pump 152 is driven at a constant rotation. When the ink pressure in the downstream damper 154 detected by the pressure sensor falls below a predetermined pressure, the downstream pump 155 slows down or stops rotating. When the ink pressure in the downstream damper 154 exceeds a predetermined pressure, the drive is started or the rotation is increased. The upstream damper 153 and the downstream damper 154 emit a signal for controlling the ink pressure, and the pressure fluctuation is reduced by the storage chamber.

  Such a conventional ink system 150a has, for example, the following problems. One is that the large length of the tubes 161a and 162a connected between the printer body 11 and the carriage 20 requires a large space for them. The carriage 20 moves in the left-right direction during printing or in other cases. Therefore, the tubes 161a and 162a need to have a length corresponding to the movable range of the carriage 20. When the distance between the carriage 20 and the ink container 151 is short, the tubes 161a and 162a are greatly bent. Space was required for the conventional ink system 150a to pass through the bent tubes 161a and 162a. In particular, a flatbed type printer is generally small in size, and such a space has led to an increase in the size of the entire printer. Further, a printer equipped with an ultraviolet lamp requires a cover for shielding ultraviolet light, and the way in which the tubes 161a and 162a are routed is restricted by the presence of the cover.

  Another problem is that the movement of the carriage 20 at the time of printing moves the tubes 161a and 162a and changes the pressure of the ink inside the tubes 161a and 162a (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as dynamic pressure fluctuation). In the conventional ink system 150a, since the tubes 161a and 162a are long, the dynamic pressure fluctuation is large. Therefore, in order to reduce the dynamic pressure fluctuation, the upstream damper 153 and the downstream damper 154 are required.

  Still another problem is that the heater 156 needs a large output because the circulation flow path is long. If the circulation flow path is long, the heat radiation amount of the circulating ink is large. Therefore, in order to maintain the ink temperature at a predetermined temperature, the heater 156 needs a large amount of heat.

  The printer 10 according to the present embodiment is configured so that the above-described problems can be solved. The printer 10 according to the present embodiment includes a sub-ink container 71 mounted on the carriage 20 and a first attachment 62 for communicating the main ink container 61 and the sub-ink container 71 at a predetermined position (here, home position P1) of the carriage 20. And a second attachment 72. The printer 10 according to the present embodiment does not require an ink flow path passed between the printer main body 11 and the carriage 20. Therefore, a space for managing the ink flow path is not required. Further, fluctuations in the dynamic pressure of the ink due to the movement of the carriage 20 can be suppressed. Further, since the ink flow path can be shortened, the output of the heater can be suppressed.

  In the printer 10 according to the present embodiment, when the ink consumption exceeds a predetermined amount, the sub-ink container 71 is filled with ink when the carriage 20 first returns to the home position P1. When the first attachment 62 and the second attachment 72 are connected, the check valves 62a and 72b function to communicate the main ink container 61 and the sub ink container 71. On the other hand, the check valves 62a and 72b function as valves so that ink does not leak from the first attachment 62 and the second attachment 72 when the first attachment 62 and the second attachment 72 are separated from each other. Each of the check valves 62a and 72b is configured to be opened when pressure is applied from the main ink container 61 to the sub ink container 71 when the first attachment 62 and the second attachment 72 are connected. Have been. According to such a configuration, for example, connection and disconnection of the flow path can be performed without using electrical control using an electromagnetic valve or the like. Therefore, members and costs can be reduced. In addition, since the check valve 62a of the first attachment 62 and the check valve 72b of the second attachment 72 can individually function, an effect can be obtained even if only one of them is used.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the first attachment 62 includes a connection nozzle 62b. The connection nozzle 62b is configured to press the check valve 72b in a direction from the main ink container 61 to the sub ink container 71 when the first attachment 62 and the second attachment 72 are connected. Further, the connection nozzle 62b includes a flow path 62b2 communicating with the main ink container 61. Therefore, the check valve 72b is opened by the connection between the first attachment 62 and the second attachment 72, and the main ink container 61 and the sub ink container 71 are communicated via the flow path 62b2. According to such a configuration, the main ink container 61 and the sub ink container 71 can be easily and reliably communicated.

  In the present embodiment, the position of the carriage 20 when filling the sub-ink container 71 with ink is set at one end of the movable range of the carriage 20. More specifically, the position of the carriage 20 when filling the sub-ink container 71 with ink is set at one end of the movable range of the carriage 20 and at the home position P1 which is a standby position of the carriage 20 during non-printing. Have been. According to the configuration in which the position of the carriage 20 at the time of ink filling is set at one end of the movable range of the carriage 20, the positioning of the carriage 20 is easy. Further, the first attachment 62 and the second attachment 72 can be connected by moving the carriage 20 without providing a special mechanism. For example, when a position to be filled with ink is set in the middle of the movable range of the carriage 20, for example, a mechanism for projecting the second attachment 72 onto the movement path of the carriage 20 and further storing the second attachment 72 therefrom is required. .

  Further, according to the configuration in which the position of the carriage 20 at the time of ink filling is set to the home position P1, the carriage 20 is arranged at a position where ink is necessarily filled during non-printing. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform special control for moving the carriage 20 for ink filling.

  In the ink filling process, first, the carriage 20 is arranged at the home position P1 (first process). Thereby, the main ink container 61 and the sub ink container 71 are communicated. Next, the discharge valve 83 is opened (second process). Next, the supply pump 64 is driven (third process). Further, when the circulation pump 75 is not driven, the circulation pump 75 is driven (fourth process). The third process and the fourth process may be performed in the reverse order or simultaneously. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the ink detection device 84 provided in the discharge flow path 82 detects ink, the supply pump 64 is stopped and the discharge valve 83 is closed (fifth process).

  In the filling process, the air in the circulation flow path 70a is removed by opening the discharge valve 83. The air in the circulation passage 70a stays near the top surface 71e because it is lighter than the ink. As shown in FIG. 3, the discharge channel 82 is connected to the top surface 71e of the sub ink container 71. Therefore, the ink in the circulation channel 70a is discharged from the discharge channel 82 when the discharge valve 83 is opened. If the state in which the ink detection device 84 provided in the discharge channel 82 detects ink continues for a certain period of time, it is determined that the air discharge has been completed and only the ink has been discharged. Then, the supply pump 64 is stopped, and the discharge valve 83 is closed. The filling process is now completed. However, the method of determining whether or not the circulation channel 70a has been filled with ink is not limited to this. For example, whether or not the circulation channel 70a has been filled with ink may be determined based on the ink filling time. The control device 100 grasps the ink consumption based on the print data. Therefore, the remaining amount of ink in the circulation channel 70a is also grasped. Therefore, it is possible to determine the completion of filling simply by the filling time. The printer 10 according to the present embodiment can fill the circulation channel 70a with ink while expelling air by such a process.

  The refilling of the ink into the sub ink container 71 is automatically performed under the control of the filling control unit 103. Therefore, there is no need for the user to perform any operation for replenishing the sub-ink container 71 with ink. The replenishment of ink is performed based on the amount of ink consumed in printing. Therefore, the ink can be surely replenished before the ink in the sub ink container 71 runs short.

  The first attachment 62 and the second attachment 72 are configured to be separated when the carriage 20 is located at a position other than the home position P1. Therefore, the movement of the carriage 20 is not restricted by the first attachment 62 except at the home position P1 where the ink is filled.

  Note that the above-described filling process may be performed not only when the ink in the sub-ink container 71 is reduced but also in the initial filling that is performed from a state where the ink is not stored in the sub-ink container 71. Good. Further, it may be performed after the ink is purged or discharged.

  The ink filled in the ink circulation system 70 is circulated in the circulation channel 70a. In the circulation of the ink, the supply of the ink from the sub ink container 71 to the ink head 50 is performed by the water head pressure difference between the sub ink container 71 and the ink head 50. The sub-ink container 71 is arranged above the ink head 50 and is configured as a flexible closed container. Therefore, ink can be supplied from the sub-ink container 71 to the ink head 50 by the difference in head pressure between the sub-ink container 71 and the ink head 50.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, the upstream flow path 73 is not provided with a pump and a damper. The ink system 50a according to the present embodiment does not include a long ink flow path that passes between the printer main body 11 and the carriage 20. Therefore, the ink does not change much in dynamic pressure. For this reason, the upstream flow path 73 is not provided with a damper for reducing pressure fluctuation. Since there is no damper, the ink can be supplied to the ink head 50 at the head pressure. Therefore, the printer 10 according to the present embodiment does not include the upstream pump.

  As described above, according to the printer 10 according to the present embodiment, since the dynamic pressure fluctuation of the ink is suppressed, it is possible to reduce the number of members, such as a damper, that alleviate the influence of the dynamic pressure fluctuation. In addition, members such as a pump that existed due to the presence of the damper and the like can be reduced.

  Also, by reducing the number of parts, the carriage 20 can be made compact. Here, the inner volume of the sub ink container 71 is also made smaller than that of the main ink container 61, and each part is configured so that the carriage 20 can be made more compact.

  The return of the ink from the ink head 50 to the sub-ink container 71 is performed by the circulation pump 75. The circulation control unit 104 controls the circulation pump 75 so that the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 77 is controlled within a predetermined pressure range. When the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 77 is lower than a preset pressure, the circulation control unit 104 reduces the rotation speed of the circulation pump 75. Or stop. When the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 77 is higher than a preset pressure, the circulation control unit 104 increases the rotation speed of the circulation pump 75. Or, if it has been stopped, the driving is started. With this configuration, the printer 10 can control the pressure of the ink in the circulation channel 70a to a desired pressure.

  In the present embodiment, a buffer tank 76 is provided in the downstream flow path 74, so that the pressure fluctuation of the ink due to the pulsation of the circulation pump 75 is reduced.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the circulation flow path 70a is formed inside the carriage 20. The length of the circulation channel 70a is considerably shorter than that of the conventional ink system 150a. Therefore, the heat radiation of the circulation channel 70a is small, and the output of the heater 79 can be suppressed.

  In the present embodiment, the ink in the circulation channel 70a is periodically or appropriately discharged. In the discharge process, first, the discharge valve 83 is opened (first process). Next, when the circulation pump 75 is not being driven, the circulation pump 75 is driven (second process). The order of the first process and the second process may be reversed or may be simultaneous. Then, after the ink detection device 84 once detects the ink, the detection of the ink is stopped, and if the state continues for a certain period of time, the circulation pump 75 is stopped, and the discharge valve 83 is closed (third process). The discharge control unit 105 controls the above discharge process. According to this control, the ink in the circulation channel 70a can be discharged.

  Further, the printer 10 according to the present embodiment is set to perform a purge for discharging ink from the nozzles of the ink head 50 regularly or at an appropriate time. In the purging process, first, the carriage 20 is arranged at the home position P1, and the main ink container 61 and the sub ink container 71 are communicated (first process). The first process may be omitted when the carriage 20 is already located at the home position P1. Next, the discharge valve 83 is opened (second process). The second process may be omitted if the discharge valve 83 is already closed. Next, the supply pump 64 is driven (third process). The second process and the third process may be performed simultaneously. The purge control unit 106 performs a first process of controlling the carriage moving device 30 to arrange the carriage 20 at the home position P1, a second process of closing the discharge valve 83, and a third process of driving the supply pump 64. It is set to perform a purge process that includes According to such control, purging for discharging ink from the nozzles of the ink head 50 can be performed.

  The preferred embodiment has been described above. However, the above embodiments are merely examples, and the technology disclosed herein can be implemented in other various forms. For example, in the above embodiment, the liquid supply mechanism for moving the ink from the main ink container 61 to the sub ink container 71 includes the supply pump 64, but the liquid supply mechanism is not limited to such a configuration. The liquid sending mechanism may be configured to send ink by a difference in head pressure between the main ink container 61 and the sub ink container 71, for example. In that case, a valve connected to and controlled by the control device 100 may be provided.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the ink system 50a includes the ink circulation system 70, but may not include the ink circulation system 70. The technology disclosed herein does not necessarily have to be based on a circulation system, and can be suitably applied to, for example, an ink system having no ink return flow path.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the position of the carriage 20 to which the first attachment 62 and the second attachment 72 are connected is set to the home position P1, but is not limited thereto. The position of the carriage 20 where the first attachment 62 and the second attachment 72 are connected is not particularly limited. In that case, the carriage 20 is arranged at a position where the first attachment 62 and the second attachment 72 are connected during a part of the time during non-printing, and at other times during non-printing. Is placed in the home position. The position of the carriage 20 to which the first attachment 62 and the second attachment 72 are connected is, for example, an end of the movable range of the carriage 20 different from the home position (for example, the carriage 20 moves only in the left-right direction). In such a case, it may be set at the end opposite to the home position in the left-right direction). According to such a configuration, it is possible to enjoy the advantage that the position where the first attachment 62 and the second attachment 72 are connected is set at the end of the movable range of the carriage 20, and the mechanism is concentrated at the home position. Therefore, the arrangement of each member at the home position becomes easy.

  In addition, the configuration of the inkjet printer is not limited unless otherwise specified. For example, the technology disclosed herein can be used for a roll-to-roll type ink jet printer and the like. Further, for example, the present invention can also be used for an apparatus such as a print and cut apparatus in which an ink jet printer is partially incorporated.

Reference Signs List 10 Inkjet printer 11 Printer main body 20 Carriage 30 Carriage moving device 50 Ink head 61 Main ink container 62 First attachment 62a Check valve 62b Connecting nozzle 64 Supply pump (liquid sending mechanism, first pump)
71 Sub-ink container 72 Second attachment 72b Check valve 73 Upstream channel (first channel)
74 Downstream channel (second channel)
75 Circulation pump (second pump)
76 buffer tank 77 pressure sensor 79 heater 81 waste liquid tank 82 discharge flow path (third flow path)
83 Discharge valve (first valve)
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 control device 101 movement control unit 101a first movement control unit 101b second movement control unit 102 discharge control unit 102a consumption calculation unit 103 filling control unit 103a filling instruction unit 103b first filling control unit 103c second filling control unit 104 circulation Control unit 106 Purge control unit 106a First purge control unit 106b Second purge control unit P1 Home position (first position)

Claims (18)

The printer itself,
A carriage movably engaged with the printer body,
A carriage moving device for moving the carriage,
A main ink container provided in the printer body and storing ink;
A first attachment provided on the printer main body and connected to the main ink container;
A sub-ink container mounted on the carriage,
An ink head mounted on the carriage and connected to the sub-ink container,
A second attachment mounted on the carriage and connected to the sub-ink container;
With
The carriage moving device is configured to arrange the carriage at a first position,
The first attachment and the second attachment are configured to be connected when the carriage is located at the first position,
The main ink container and the sub-ink container are communicated when the first attachment and the second attachment are connected,
Inkjet printer. At least one of the first attachment and the second attachment is opened when pressure is applied from the main ink container to the sub-ink container when the first attachment and the second attachment are connected. Equipped with a check valve,
The inkjet printer according to claim 1. The second attachment includes the check valve,
The first attachment presses the check valve in a direction from the main ink container toward the sub ink container when the first attachment and the second attachment are connected, and communicates with the main ink container. A connection nozzle having a flow path,
The inkjet printer according to claim 2. The first position is set at one end of a movable range of the carriage.
The inkjet printer according to claim 1. A liquid feeding mechanism configured to move the ink from the main ink container to the sub ink container,
A control device;
With
The control device includes:
A first movement control unit that controls the carriage movement device and arranges the carriage at the first position for at least a part of time during non-printing;
A second movement control unit that controls the carriage moving device to move the carriage at a position separated from the first position during printing;
A filling control unit that controls the liquid feeding mechanism to move the ink from the main ink container to the sub ink container when the carriage is disposed at the first position;
At the time of printing, an ejection control unit that controls the ink head to eject the ink in the sub-ink container,
Has,
The inkjet printer according to claim 1. The first movement control unit, when not printing, arranges the carriage at a home position set at one end of the movable range of the carriage,
The first position is the home position;
The inkjet printer according to claim 5. The first movement control unit arranges the carriage at the first position during a part of time during non-printing, and other than the time when the carriage is arranged at the first position during non-printing. At the time, the carriage is arranged at a home position set at one end of the movable range of the carriage,
The first position is set at an end of the movable range of the carriage that is different from the home position.
The inkjet printer according to claim 5. The liquid supply mechanism includes a first pump connected to the main ink container and the first attachment, and configured to supply liquid from the main ink container side to the first attachment side.
The inkjet printer according to claim 5. The ejection control unit includes a consumption calculation unit that calculates a consumption amount of the ink in printing,
The filling control unit includes a filling instruction unit that instructs movement of the ink from the main ink container to the sub ink container based on the consumption amount of the ink calculated by the consumption amount calculation unit.
An ink jet printer according to any one of claims 5 to 8. The sub-ink container has a smaller internal volume than the main ink container,
The inkjet printer according to claim 1. The sub-ink container is a flexible closed container, and is disposed above the ink head.
The inkjet printer according to claim 1. A first flow path connecting the ink head and the sub ink container,
A second flow path connecting the ink head and the sub ink container,
A second pump provided in the second flow path and configured to send liquid from the ink head side to the sub ink container side;
With
The inkjet printer according to claim 11. A pressure sensor provided in the first flow path or the second flow path and configured to detect a pressure in the first flow path or the second flow path;
A control device;
With
The control device includes a circulation control unit that controls the second pump so that the pressure detected by the pressure sensor is controlled to a predetermined pressure range.
The inkjet printer according to claim 12. A buffer tank provided in the second flow path;
The buffer tank,
A storage chamber in which the ink is stored,
An inflow port provided in the storage chamber and connected to a portion of the second flow path closer to the ink head than the buffer tank;
An outlet provided in the storage chamber and connected to a portion of the second flow path closer to the sub-ink container than the buffer tank;
With
The storage chamber extends above the outlet.
An ink jet printer according to claim 12. The sub-ink container has a top surface facing upward,
A first pump connected to the main ink container and the first attachment, and configured to send liquid from the main ink container side to the first attachment side;
Waste tank,
A third flow path having one end connected to the top surface of the sub-ink container and the other end connected to the waste liquid tank;
A first valve provided in the third flow path to open and close the third flow path;
A control device;
With
The control device includes:
A movement control unit that controls the carriage moving device to arrange the carriage at the first position;
A filling control unit that moves the ink from the main ink container to the sub ink container,
With
The filling control unit,
A first filling control unit that opens the first valve in a state where the carriage is disposed at the first position;
A second filling control unit that drives the first pump after the first valve is opened by the first filling control unit;
Has,
The inkjet printer according to any one of claims 12 to 14. The control device includes a purge control unit that performs a purge of the ink,
The purge control unit includes:
A first purge control unit that closes the first valve in a state where the carriage is located at the first position;
A second purge control unit that drives the first pump after the first valve is closed by the first purge control unit;
Has,
The inkjet printer according to claim 15. A heater mounted on the carriage and in contact with the sub-ink container;
The inkjet printer according to claim 1. The first attachment and the second attachment are configured to be separated when the carriage is disposed at a position other than the first position.
The inkjet printer according to claim 1.

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